Stephen Varhola, 97, a resident of the Forest Park Nursing Home in Carlisle, died Thursday in Carlisle. He moved from Butler to the Carlisle area in 1988.

Born Sept. 6, 1908, in New Castle, he was a son of Stephen and Elona Bezek Varhola.

He was a 1932 graduate of Geneva College, where he earned a degree in education. He also received degrees in English and social studies. Following college, he was a history teacher at the Butler Junior High School and retired in 1973 after 45 years. He was involved with the production and direction of the school musical for years.

Mr. Varhola was a former member of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church.

Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Ann Batko of Altoona, and Mrs. Elmer (Agnes) Eichenlaub of Herman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His wife, Laura Rappa Varhola, whom he married Aug. 20, 1935, died July 23, 1990. Four brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

<B>VARHOLA </B>— Friends of Stephen Varhola, who died Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006, will be received from noon to 1 p.m. Monday at the <B>Geibel Funeral Home</B>, 201 E. Cunningham St. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Monsignor Russell Duker, pastor of the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, officiating. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery.Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.